Downtown San Jose ice rink opens for skaters on Friday

SAN JOSE -- Tropical trees will once again stand amid an island of ice in downtown San Jose, as skaters take to the unusual split circular rink for the opening of the holiday season centerpiece on Friday.

Nestled in the Circle of Palms between the Fairmont Hotel and San Jose Museum of Art, Downtown Ice is the South Bay's largest seasonal outdoor skating rink, according to the San Jose Downtown Association, which brings the rink to town each year.

It will operate through Jan. 13, between 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and noon to midnight on weekends, although extended daily hours of 11 a.m. to midnight will be in play for winter break, Dec. 15 to Jan. 5.

It's the 17th season of the rink, with nine years in the present location. More than 40,000 skaters are expected this year, with thousands more spectators.

For the third year, the rink is associated with Olympic gold-winning skater Kristi Yamaguchi, who will be on hand for a grand opening ceremony at 5 p.m. Nov. 23.

The rink is at 120 South Market Street, across from Plaza de Cesar Chavez. Admission, which includes skate rental, is $13 for children 10 and younger, $15 for those 11 and older.

For more information including specials and discounts, visit sjdowntown.com